Microsoft's Japanese representatives have revealed today that the Elite version of the Xbox 360 will be released in the region on October 11. The 120GB hard drive-equipped version of the firm's next-generation console will retail for 47,800 Yen ($390 USD), almost $90 USD cheaper than the cost of the machine in North America.

Microsoft has had a torrid time of convincing Japanese consumers to believe and invest in its Xbox brand ever since the launch of the original hardware back in 2002. Indeed, recent figures from publisher Enterbrain reveal that the Xbox 360 only shifted a mere 17,616 units in the region during June, while, by way of stark contrast, Nintendo sold 270,974 Wii units and Sony sold 41,628 PlayStation 3s.

Whether the release of the Elite will help bolster sales in the territory is highly questionable, but something tells us that it just won't make that much of a difference in the long run.

As to when the Elite will (finally) hit European shores and other PAL territories, Microsoft has (as per usual) yet to confirm an official date.